Effect of Pursed-Lip Breathing using a Windmill Toy Model on Breathing Efficiency in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-highest cause of death in the world, also true in Thailand. There are various methods to treat COPD such as medication and non-drug therapies for respiratory rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of pursed-lip breathing (PLB) by using a windmill toy in COPD patients. The participants in this randomized controlled trial study were 60 to 75 years old. The total number of 46 participants were equally divided into 2 groups: The intervention group and the control group (23 participants each). The intervention group used breathing training through a windmill toy, whereas the control group received training in standard breathing patterns. The training was performed over sessions in 1 week. Lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were recorded at baseline, and between 6 - 12 weeks (follow-up). The intervention group and the control group improved significantly in lung function and muscle strength (p < 0.05). In addition, 6MWT in the intervention group increased significantly when compared to the control group (p < 0.05) at week 12. In conclusion, the PLB using a windmill toy is a new form of breathing training that is effective in promoting the strength of the muscles used for breathing, lung performance, and cardiovascular function in COPD patients. HIGHLIGHTS The use of windmill toys is a new form of breathing exercise that is effective in strengthening Using innovative models applied in medicine and public health to promote prevention of severe disease The greatest benefit of pulmonary function training is that patients have a better quality of life and longer life